Places to Walk Archives - Page 4 of 12

Hertfordshire, a picturesque county in southern England, is renowned for its blend of rolling countryside, charming villages, and historical landmarks, making it a haven for walkers. Located just north of London, Hertfordshire offers a perfect escape from urban life, with its tranquil woodlands, riverside paths, and scenic open spaces. The county is steeped in history, dating back to Roman times, and is home to several significant sites, such as St Albans, one of England’s oldest cities, and the iconic Verulamium Park with its Roman ruins. Hertfordshire’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from the serene chalk hills of the Chilterns to the peaceful waterways of the Grand Union Canal and River Lee. With a mix of gentle flat walks and more undulating terrain, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid hiker. The county also boasts a network of converted railway lines like the Alban Way and Nickey Line, perfect for those seeking easy yet scenic routes. With its combination of natural beauty and fascinating history, Hertfordshire offers a wealth of walking opportunities that are sure to inspire and delight visitors. The Top 10 Walks In Hertfordshire 1. Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail Start/End Point: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre Distance: Approximately 16 miles (25.7 km) Terrain: Woodlands, open fields, gentle hills Difficulty: Moderate Notable Landmark: Bridgewater Monument This circular trail encompasses the expansive Ashridge Estate, featuring ancient woodlands, rolling meadows, and the iconic Bridgewater Monument. The estate is also known for its bluebell displays in spring and roaming deer throughout the year. 2. Chess Valley Walk Start Point: Rickmansworth End Point: Chesham Distance: 10 miles (16 km) Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows, woodlands Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Notable Landmark: Latimer House Following the River Chess, this scenic walk passes through picturesque villages, water meadows, and ancient woodlands, offering opportunities to spot kingfishers and water voles. 3. Ridgeway National Trail Start Point: Ivinghoe Beacon End Point: Overton Hill (Wiltshire) Distance: 87 miles (139 km) in total; Hertfordshire section is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) Terrain: Chalk ridges, open countryside Difficulty: Moderate Notable Landmark: Ivinghoe Beacon Often considered Britain's oldest road, the Ridgeway offers panoramic views and a journey through ancient landscapes. The section starting at Ivinghoe Beacon provides expansive vistas over the Vale of Aylesbury. 4. Alban Way Start Point: St Albans End Point: Hatfield Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km) Terrain: Disused railway line, urban parks Difficulty: Easy Notable Landmark: St Albans Cathedral This flat, linear path follows a former railway, connecting the historic city of St Albans with Hatfield, passing through parks and green spaces, making it ideal for families and casual walkers. 5. Nickey Line Start Point: Hemel Hempstead End Point: Harpenden Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km) Terrain: Disused railway line, woodlands Difficulty: Easy Notable Landmark: Redbourn Common Another repurposed railway, the Nickey Line offers a peaceful route through woodlands and open countryside, with historical information boards along the way. 6. Ayot Greenway Start Point: Welwyn Garden City End Point: Wheathampstead Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) Terrain: Disused railway line, woodlands Difficulty: Easy Notable Landmark: Ayot St. Lawrence This short, flat trail is perfect for a leisurely walk, passing through shaded woodlands and open fields, with the option to visit the picturesque village of Ayot St. Lawrence. 7. Hertfordshire Way Start/End Point: Circular route around Hertfordshire Distance: 194 miles (312 km) in total; can be broken into sections Terrain: Varied – woodlands, farmlands, villages Difficulty: Varies by section Notable Landmark: Numerous, including historic towns and estates This long-distance circular trail encircles the county, offering walkers a comprehensive tour of Hertfordshire's diverse landscapes and heritage. Sections can be walked individually for shorter excursions. 8. Verulamium Park and Gorhambury Estate Start/End Point: St Albans Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8 km) Terrain: Parkland, estate grounds Difficulty: Easy Notable Landmark: Roman Theatre of Verulamium Summary: Combining history and nature, this walk explores the ancient Roman city of Verulamium, with its ruins and museum, before heading into the Gorhambury Estate with its stately home and landscaped grounds. 9. Tring Park Start/End Point: Tring Park entrance Distance: Various trails totaling up to 5 miles (8 km) Terrain: Woodlands, open parkland Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Notable Landmark: Natural History Museum at Tring Managed by the Woodland Trust, Tring Park offers a network of trails through ancient woodlands and open grasslands, with panoramic views over the Vale of Aylesbury. 10. Ebury Way Start Point: Watford End Point: Rickmansworth Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) Terrain: Disused railway line, canalside paths Difficulty: Easy Notable Landmark: Grand Union Canal This short, flat walk follows a former railway line, crossing rivers and canals, with abundant wildlife and historical points of interest along the route. Summary - Top 10 Walks in Hertfordshire We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Hertfordshire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.